### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ēchos**, represented by `{{G2279}}`, denotes a **loud or confused noise**, a roar, or figuratively, a rumor. It is translated as **fame** or **sound**. Appearing just **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, its usage is specific yet significant in the New Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{G2279}}` is used both literally and figuratively. In a figurative sense, it describes the spread of Jesus's reputation, where the **fame** of him went out into the surrounding country [[Luke 4:37]]. Literally, it captures profound, divine sounds. At Pentecost, it is the **sound** from heaven like a rushing mighty wind that filled the house [[Acts 2:2]]. It is also used to describe the overwhelming **sound** of a trumpet at Mount Sinai, which was part of a display that included a **voice** of words [[Hebrews 12:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of sound and report:
* `{{G5456}}` **phōnḗ** (noise, sound, voice): Often used for an articulate sound or address, it appears alongside `{{G2279}}` in [[Hebrews 12:19]], which mentions both the **sound** of a trumpet and the **voice** of words.
* `{{G4157}}` **pnoḗ** (respiration, a breeze): Defined as breath or wind, this word is directly linked to `{{G2279}}` in the account of Pentecost, where the event began with a sound from heaven like a mighty **wind** [[Acts 2:2]].
* `{{G3056}}` **lógos** (word, fame, saying): While `{{G2279}}` can mean **fame** as a widespread rumor [[Luke 4:37]], `{{G3056}}` refers to something said, such as a topic of discourse or, in its highest sense, the divine **Word** [[John 1:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G2279}}` lies in its association with powerful, consequential events.
* **Herald of Divine Action:** In two of its three appearances, **ēchos** marks a moment of divine intervention. It is the **sound** announcing the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost [[Acts 2:2]] and the **sound** of the trumpet at the giving of the Law [[Hebrews 12:19]].
* **Irresistible Force:** The sounds described are not subtle. They are a "rushing mighty wind" and a trumpet blast, indicating events of immense power and importance that demand a response.
* **Figurative Impact:** The word's use as **fame** in [[Luke 4:37]] carries a similar weight. The news of Jesus's power and teaching spreads with the force of a great sound, penetrating every place of the country round about.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2279}}` is more than a simple word for noise. It is used in scripture to denote sounds of profound significance, whether the literal roar of a divine manifestation at Sinai and Pentecost or the figurative roar of Christ's **fame** spreading through the land. In each case, **ēchos** represents a powerful, attention-commanding report that cannot be ignored.
TRV